Economic Insights on Higher Education Policy in Ireland

1. Front Matter

   Pages i-xxi

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2. Introduction

   1. Front Matter

      Pages 1-1

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   2. Economics and Higher Education Policy

      • Darragh Flannery, John Cullinan

      Pages 3-24

3. Participation & Preferences

   1. Front Matter

      Pages 25-25

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4. Participation & Preferences

   1. The Economics of Higher Education Participation

      • Kevin Denny, Darragh Flannery

      Pages 27-52

   2. A Spatial Economic Perspective on Higher Education Choices

      • John Cullinan, Brendan Halpin

      Pages 53-80

   3. Factors Influencing Higher Education Institution Choice

      • Sharon Walsh, John Cullinan

      Pages 81-108

5. Progression & Outcomes

   1. Front Matter

      Pages 109-109

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6. Progression & Outcomes

   1. Student Retention in Higher Education

      • Selina McCoy, Delma Byrne

      Pages 111-141

   2. Access Programmes and Higher Education Outcomes

      • Patricia McMullin

      Pages 143-164

   3. Overeducation in the Irish Labour Market

      • Seamus McGuinness, Ruth O’Shaughnessy, Konstantinos Pouliakas

      Pages 165-196

7. Benefits & Financing

   1. Front Matter

      Pages 197-197

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8. Benefits & Financing

   1. The Economic Impact of Higher Education Institutions

      • Qiantao Zhang, Charles Larkin, Brian M. Lucey

      Pages 199-219

   2. The Returns to Third Level Education

      • Darragh Flannery, Cathal O’Donoghue

      Pages 221-245

   3. Student Financing of Higher Education

      • Darragh Flannery, Aedín Doris, Bruce Chapman

      Pages 247-272

9. Back Matter

   Pages 273-284

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This book brings together research relating to the economics of higher education in Ireland and presents evidence that will help support policy decision making. It provides an analysis of prominent issues within the higher education sector from an economic viewpoint, discussing the relevant theory and offering an empirical analysis. The book examines three broad themes with a specific focus on issues related to undergraduate education: participation and preferences, progression and outcomes, and benefits and financing. Each chapter presents an accessible, non-specialist analysis of the topic of interest, making it relevant to a wider audience. In doing so, the book provides an important addition to our current knowledge and understanding of higher education in Ireland from an economic perspective. Key chapters discuss the factors influencing institution choices, student retention in higher education, and policy debates surrounding student finance. The book will serve as a useful and up-to-date resource for policymakers, researchers, academics and students across a range of disciplines, both in Ireland and internationally.

• Ireland
• Funding models
• Student accessibility
• Higher education
• Value for money
• Socioeconomic status
• Geographic determinants

• National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland

  John Cullinan

• University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland

  Darragh Flannery

John Cullinan is a Lecturer in Economics at the J.E. Cairnes School of Business & Economics, National University of Ireland, Galway. 


Darragh Flannery is a Lecturer in Economics at the Kemmy Business School, University of Limerick, Ireland.

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